Let's Hope They Cook Better Than They Spell

Let's Go Diner is finally open, and Wicker Park has a new, independently owned diner. Or, is it a restaurant? The banner declares it both.

Grammar, and spelling snobbery/snafus aside, at least it's not another Jimmy John's, which also recently opened on Milwaukee Avenue, about one block north of Let's Go. There is another Jimmy John's nearby on Division, too, but there is not another Let's Go Diner anywhere else but at 1393 N. Milwaukee Ave.

I've walked past Let's Go for two years, and was told by its owner, Angel, that it took longer than expected to get up and running due to lots of back and forth with the city code people. Two years seems like a long time, though, and it makes me sad thinking about all the "stake" and eggs that must be sold to make up for the rent that still had to be paid to have the space secured.

Angel worked as a cook at two north side diners for over a decade before deciding to open his own spot. His niece, Carmela, is helping out, along with other family members.

When asked about the name, Angel informed me that he had really wanted a different name, something with Amigos in it, but those had already been taken. He, and a business partner were brainstorming, and he cannot recall who, but at some point someone said, "Hey, Let's Go!" and that phrase just kind of stuck.

So, that's the story of the Let's Go Diner. May it have much success, and last at least two years since it waited that long to open.